UK arrests 12 over extreme right-wing ‘terror’ threat to Muslim event

British police have arrested 12 individuals, aged 27 to 82, in connection with an alleged extreme right-wing terrorism threat targeting an Islamic gathering in Suffolk. The arrests, made across the country on Sunday and Monday, followed police being tipped off about the potential threat to the Ijtima festival, which was attended by approximately 15,000 people. Eight men were detained on suspicion of terrorism, three on suspicion of conspiracy to murder, and one woman on suspicion of assisting an offender. The event concluded early on police advice. Authorities stated there is no evidence of a wider public threat, though investigations and searches are ongoing. These arrests occur amidst rising racial tensions and hate crimes in the UK, with the Crown Prosecution Service handling a record number of hate crime cases.

Counter-terrorism police have arrested twelve individuals across Britain in connection with a suspected far-right threat against an Islamic event held at Shrubland Hall in Suffolk. Three of those arrested are being held on suspicion of conspiracy to murder, while eight others were detained under terrorism laws. The investigation, which emerged over the weekend, indicated a "potential serious threat" to the event, attended by an estimated 15,000 people. As a precaution, the event concluded earlier than scheduled, and a major incident was declared. Police are conducting searches at various addresses and stated there is no wider threat to the public.